Antioch Dunes Plant Survey April 2015

Time again for the annual counting of our two endangered plant species at Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge! We will be conducting our 2015 plant surveys of our two endangered plants, the Contra Costa wallflower in April and the Antioch Dunes evening primrose in May at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge in Antioch. It’s a great opportunity to visit a special place that is not always open to the public. There are plenty of wildflowers and butterflies to enjoy. Please feel free to share this information with others who might be interested. Here’s the lowdown:

When? Contra Costa Wallflower surveys will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Antioch Dunes evening primrose surveys will be on Wednesday and Thursday, May 20 and 21, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Who? United States Fish and Wildlife Service staff and adult volunteers. We like to have around 10-15 people per day. Training will be done on-site that day

What to wear, bring and expect? Long pants (there can be scratchy plants and stickers), layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, lunch and water bottle, sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Raingear is optional (you never know). We walk all day (with several breaks) on mixed, sometimes hilly terrain, with some plants/trees to step over, under and around. Where? Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge (Contra Costa County) See directions below. You can sign up for one or more days. For inquiries and to RSVP, please contact Susan Euing by email at susan_euing@yahoo.com or call office at 510-521-9717. Sign up early and tell your friends. Directions: Antioch Dunes NWR (Contra Costa County) There are two separate units about 1 mile apart, Stamm and Sardis. From 680 heading north (near Walnut Creek/Concord), take Highway 242 E, which will lead you onto Highway 4 E towards Pittsburg/Antioch. Continue on Highway 4 for Xx miles to Antioch. From 680 heading south (from Benicia/Martinez), take Highway 4 E towards Pittsburg/Antioch. From here, see directions below for the day you will be going.

Wednesdays: Surveys will be held at the Stamm Unit at 501 Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch. At Antioch, take A Street/Lone Tree Way exit and go left under freeway. Proceed about 1 mile on A Street and then go right onto Wilbur Avenue. At Fulton Shipyard Road (first light) go left. Cross railroad tracks and then see large brown refuge sign (2nd driveway on the right). Park along the refuge fence line.

Thursdays: Surveys will be held at the Sardis Unit at 1551 Wilbur Avenue in Antioch. At Antioch, take A Street/Lone Tree Way exit and go left under the freeway. Proceed about 1 mile on A Street and then go right onto Wilbur Avenue. Proceed on Wilbur about 1 mile, cross over a concrete bridge and look for two large PG&E towers on the left. The entrance gate will be on the left between the two towers. See large brown refuge sign next to gate. Turn left into the entrance and park at the bottom of the driveway.

If you get lost or your plans for that day have change please call Susan, (510) 377-5928.